Taking iron with other medication

[50568789]

I have T2 diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and occasional RLS. Diabetes is managed with twice daily insulin injections, AF is currently dormant after ablation and cardioversion this year, RLS comes and goes, episodes usually controlled using a Therapulse. My question is about adding in ferrous bisglycinate into my medication regime. I had been diagnosed with anaemia (which can also be a stress trigger for AF) and was prescribed ferrous fumarate which between November 2023 and August 2024 increased my ferritin from 12 to 51. GP then decided my iron tests were within reference levels so anaemia had gone away and withdrew the iron prescription. I'm not convinced about that, and question the effects on RLS, but it's such a pain getting to see a doctor (who understands) that I've yet to have that conversation. I am considering just taking iron supplement again anyway, but am aware of possible absorption issues with other meds, both ways. For info, my evening regime is a dose of insulin about 17.30 followed by dinner then atenolol (betablocker), rivaroxaban (anticoagulant), Atorvastatin, and ramipril (blood pressure) about 18.30. Unless I have acid reflux at 22.30ish when I would take Gaviscon Advance, no more meds until before breakfast next morning , insulin, bendroflumethiazide (blood pressure) and Lansoprazole (acid reflux). I don't normally drink orange juice as it affects blood sugar levels and acid reflux. Can anybody advise on fitting iron in with this lot?

[Autumn_Leaves]

You’re probably better off asking a pharmacist if that’s an option. You’re on a lot of medication for your conditions and no one here is qualified to advise you on what to take when. As someone with hereditary haemochromatosis I have my own concerns about unnecessary iron supplementation, and would urge you to pay attention to your blood test results to guide your decisions. Although iron is essential for health, excess iron is potentially harmful so I would be wary of pushing it too high.

[50568789 in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

Thanks for your thoughts. I meant to post this on the Restless Legs support forum, where iron levels are of particular interest (and have now done so) but it does cross over into AF considerations so any comments are welcome.

[Leaney in reply to 50568789]

You could try getting more iron through your diet? Things like eggs and red meat etc are good. Vitamin C is needed to absorb it so perhaps a glass of fresh orange juice alongside the iron rich food.